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Moving from Rhode Island to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

RI state flag
Living now

Rhode Island

Capital: Providence

Median household income $81,854 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Smallest state, Newport mansions, Providence revival.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Rhode Island
102.3
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
Rhode Island
105.6
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 42% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.6
Alabama
97.2
Alabama has 3.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.3
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 2.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Rhode Island
29.9 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 43% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Rhode Island
100.5
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 2.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Rhode Island
$455,700
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 49% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Rhode Island
$1,038/mo
Alabama
$889/mo
Alabama is 14% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Rhode Island
82°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 11% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Rhode Island
22°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 59% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Rhode Island
51°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 24% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Rhode Island
200
Alabama
213
Alabama has 6.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Rhode Island
49 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 13% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Rhode Island
36
Alabama
42
Alabama has 17% higher AQI
Snow / year
Rhode Island
37 in
Alabama
1 in
Alabama is 97% less annual snowfall

Get the full Rhode IslandAlabama report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Rhode Island?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.6 for Rhode Island — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Rhode Island tops out at 5.99% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Alabama?

Most Alabama residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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